Jaunbachschlucht

About this place

The Jaunbachschlucht is closed until further notice due to severe damage. Until it possibly reopens, the cultural trail of the Jaun Valley between Charmey and Broc offers a cultural alternative. Alternative Route A family-friendly hike takes you from the impressive Montsalvens dam to Broc – or the other way round. This architectural feat, built in 1920-1921, is Europe’s first double-arch dam – vertically and horizontally. From the 52-metre-high and 110-metre-long structure, you enjoy an impressive view over the artificial Lake of Montsalvens and down into the Jaunbachschlucht – the «Gorges de la Jonge». You descend steeply into the gorge on smoothly worn stone steps. A path leads past moss-covered rock formations, a climbing wall for free climbers and twisted rock faults towards Broc. The cooling Jaunbach offers tired feet a well-earned cool-down. If you like, you can walk on: past the «Chapelle des Marches», the hike finally reaches its highlight with the arrival in the little town of Gruyères. Getting there: by public transport to Broc or Châtel-sur-Montsalvens. In Broc, near the gorge, there is a small car park.